I am like Cloverpatch I like to feel my fabric before I buy it. Also, there is the problem with computers not always showing the colors true. I only buy online when I absolutely have to. However, I recently bought thread from Connecting Threads to try. If I like it I will be buying my thread from them. I try to support my local shops as much as possible because I know if we don't there soon won't be any local shops.

I try to support my local store owner, but it is sometimes hard because she is struggling in this economy and hasn't been able to order new fabrics for a while now. And like CloverPatch said, I like to touch before buying and know the quality of the goods. Most prices work out about the same after you add in shipping and handling.

I have been doing about 90% of my shopping on-line. The closest quilt shop is 1 1/2 hrs away and in New Mexico. I have never been disppointed with the fabrics. I was really surprized by some backing material that was exceptional quality and only 12.00 a yd.

I am new to quilting - only been buying fabric for maybe 1.5 years. I buy MOSTLY online. I have 3 LQS in my area but one doesn't stay open after my work or on Sunday so I can only shop there on Saturdays. That is my favorite one. One seems to have more childrens fabrics and the other one has more 'snobby' workers in it. They seem to think if you have not been quilting for at least a decade you shouldn't be in their store. I have gotten ALOT of fabric online and I can find what I want there easier. I think that just like this board, online has been a great experience for my quilting education. Online stores are owned by real people too and need our support.

I've switched to online more because my LQS's fabric prices have increased a lot lately. I can get free shipping, and find the same fabric as my LQS for $2 or more less than my LQS at regular price, and if I wait for or look for sales, can get great fabric at less than half the price of my LQS. I would love to patronize the LQS more, but can't afford to.

Almost 100% online for years.
My LQS doesn't carry fabrics that appeal to me.
The couple of semi-local shops I do like : Quilters Workshop in Newport NH, Quilt A-Way in VT, Textile Company in Massachusetts, Quilted Threads in Henniker NH.

i shop alot on line these days- i (luckily) have not seen the prices you speak of- around here the small lqs is still around $8 a yard the other lqs is a bit higher but always has been- she's over $10 now...but i have always taken advantage of a larger selection and better prices shopping on line. if i know i can get it for a good price at the lqs i still go there- but i always check online too. it's a shame to have access to hundreds of great shops and not support them too. since every shop is different- some carry almost all reproduction fabrics, some shabby chic's, some batiks- novelties...they are all so different and visiting them online opens up a whole new world for us

Tell me, I am hesitate to shop on line because of the colors.
I know everyone monitors vary. So do you find something in the lqs and then buy it online?? Or do you but whatever on line and then do something with it ?
I would love to buy online because the prices seem so much better. I just have hesitated to make that first purchase.